As a unique entrant in the half-ton pickup truck segment, the midsized Honda Ridgeline provides a number of innovative and industry-exclusive features. It has an in-bed trunk of 8.5 cubic feet, a smooth and responsive four-wheel independent suspension, and standard safety equipment including side curtain air bags and vehicle stability assist (VSA). For 2008, a new wheel design with "machined styling" appears on the Ridgeline RTS and RTL; while the fabric interiors of the RT, RTX and RTS have changed from dual-tone to a more contemporary single-tone style. The Honda Ridgeline is available in four trim levels: RT, RTX, RTS and RTL.

Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter, VTEC, V-6 engine producing 247 horsepower. It comes with a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission; and a variable torque management, four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4). Maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; while it can haul payloads of up to 1,550 pounds. The Ridgeline ride is soft and car-like; steering is stiff, with just enough response and feedback. Handling is very responsive for a pickup in the midsize truck segment. Off-road, the V6 is smooth with plenty of power for cruising, but it lacks the low-end torque needed for bigger hauling jobs.

The four-door, five-passenger Honda Ridgeline is built on a closed-box, unibody frame that combines the characteristics of a ladder frame with the handling and packaging advantages of a unibody design. Standard comfort and convenience features on the Ridgeline RT include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player; 60/40-split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage and all-weather floor mats. In addition to the features on the Ridgeline RT, the Ridgeline RTX exclusively provides a standard trailer hitch with four- and seven-pin trailer wiring; along with alloy wheels, an accessory grille and body-color door handles. The RTS receives a power driver seat and upscale stereo with an in-dash CD changer. The RTL trim has HomeLink, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof and heated outside mirrors. A navigation system with an integrated MP3 auxiliary audio unit is optional on the Ridgeline RTL. The Ridgeline offers ample storage by way of compartments; extra cargo space is available by flipping the 60/40-split rear seat. The Ridgeline's five-foot-long bed conceals a hidden trunk that can be used as a cooler.

In keeping with Honda's Safety for Everyone initiative, all Ridgeline trucks are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; electronic stability control; brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver and front passenger SRS air bags; front side air bags with passenger-side occupant position detection system(OPDS); and two-row side curtain air bags with rollover sensor. A tire-pressure monitoring system is also standard.